03/28/06 Spring in wine country

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and it is Spring in wine country! On today's program we'll take a peek at what's happening in wine country at this time of the year. The vineyards are pruned in the late winter and early springtime. As spring growth is about to begin, the sap starts to flow through the dormant grapevines. Once the buds emerge it will take about eight weeks for the foliage and flowers to appear. Since grape varieties bud at different times, there really is no specific time when the vineyards are all popping out. Like it is when we drive along and see all of the apple, pear or cherry trees in bloom. The pollinated and fertilized flowers are what will become grapes. Once those little embryo grapes appear the fertilizing and vineyard maintenance will go into full swing right through harvest. Spring is also a special time at the winery as very often they will release their new vintages, or give us a taste from the barrels of wines that were made during last fall's harvest. Many of the wine regions will join together to have a special spring open house and barrel tasting. This is a great time to visit wine country. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.